Bile acids: signaling molecules

Abstract

Introduction: Bile acids, molecules derived from hepatic cholesterol, in addition to the intestinal absorption of lipids and fat-soluble vitamins, regulate energy, lipid, carbohydrate, and protein metabolism and the immune system; biological activities that gives them a new conceptual paradigm in health-disease harmony. Objective: To describe the evidence that homologates bile acids as signaling molecules. Methods: A systematic and critical review was carried out of the evidence in national and international databases such as PubMed/MedLine, about the biological activities and physicochemical properties of bile acids that justify their signaling action. Review: the update of the biological activities of bile acids incorporates the concept of signaling molecules in teaching and research. Conclusion: A new conceptual paradigm is provided, as key in digestive and extradigestive pathophysiology, which defines the signaling action of bile acids and constitutes an axis across the nutrition-metabolism-intestinal microbiota balance and the immune system.